T20 World Cup 2026 | Afghanistan’s First Win Against UAE Keep Super 8 Hopes Alive

Azmatullah Omarzai’s stunning all-round show powered Afghanistan to a thrilling five-wicket win over UAE in Delhi.

Afghanistan registered a hard-fought five-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in the 28th Match of Group D at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Delhi on February 16. Chasing a target of 161, Afghanistan reached 162/5 in 19.2 overs, sealing the win with four balls to spare.

Azmatullah Omarzai delivered a match-winning all-round performance to earn the Player of the Match award. He returned outstanding figures of 4/15 in four overs before smashing an unbeaten 40 off just 21 balls to guide Afghanistan home under pressure.

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Earlier, UAE posted 160/9 in their 20 overs after being asked to bat. Their innings began on a shaky note as Aryansh Sharma fell for a duck in the first over. Muhammad Waseem also departed early, leaving UAE at 13/2 inside two overs. However, Alishan Sharafu (40 off 31) and Sohaib Khan steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. Sohaib led the charge with a fluent 68 off 48 balls, striking six fours and four sixes to push UAE past the 150 mark.

Azmatullah Omarzai Broke The Back

Omarzai broke the backbone of UAE’s middle order, removing Sharafu, Sohaib, Syed Haider and Harshit Kaushik at key moments. Mujeeb Ur Rahman chipped in with two wickets, while Rashid Khan claimed one as UAE finished at a competitive total.

Afghanistan’s chase got off to the worst possible start, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz dismissed for a duck in the opening over. Ibrahim Zadran then anchored the innings with a composed 53 off 41 balls, keeping Afghanistan in the hunt despite regular wickets. Gulbadin Naib (13) and Sediqullah Atal (16) failed to convert starts, while Darwish Rasooli contributed a brisk 33 off 23 deliveries.

With Afghanistan at 140/5 in the 18th over, the match was finely poised. Omarzai stepped up when it mattered most, striking two fours and three sixes in a powerful late assault. He found support from Mohammad Nabi, who remained unbeaten on 3, as Afghanistan crossed the line comfortably to stay alive in contention for a skimpy Super 8 chance in T20 World Cup 2026.